C-SPAN StudentCam Documentary Competition
An annual documentary competition for middle and high school students from C-SPAN, awarding cash prizes for short documentaries on topics related to government and public policy.
Overview
C-SPAN's StudentCam is an annual national video documentary competition for students in grades 6 through 12. The competition invites young filmmakers to create short documentaries exploring topics related to the US government, public policy, or current events. Each year, C-SPAN selects a specific theme or prompt that connects to an issue of national significance.
StudentCam has been running since 2006 and is one of the largest student documentary competitions in the United States, awarding over $100,000 in total prizes annually. The competition introduces thousands of young people to documentary filmmaking as a tool for civic engagement and public discourse.
Winning and placing documentaries are broadcast on C-SPAN, giving student filmmakers a national audience. The competition also serves as an entry point for students who may not have access to formal film education but who discover a passion for documentary storytelling through the program.
What It Covers
- Grand Prize -- $5,000 for the top documentary
- First Prize -- $3,000
- Second Prize -- $1,500
- Third Prize -- $750
- Honorable Mentions -- $250 each
- Teacher prizes -- cash awards for teachers whose students win
- Total prizes exceed $100,000 across approximately 150 winning entries
- National broadcast -- winning films air on C-SPAN
Eligibility
The competition is open to students in grades 6 through 12 at US schools. Students may enter individually or in teams of up to three. Documentaries must be 5 to 6 minutes in length and must address the annual theme. Students must include C-SPAN programming as part of their documentary's source material.
How to Apply
Students register and submit their documentaries through the StudentCam website. The submission period typically runs from fall through January. Entries must include the documentary file, a list of sources, and a signed parental/guardian consent form. There is no entry fee.
Who Should Apply
Middle and high school students with an interest in documentary filmmaking and civic engagement. The competition is accessible to students at all skill levels and does not require access to professional equipment. A smartphone, basic editing software, and a compelling argument are sufficient.
See Also
For documentary filmmaking guidance, see Documentary Filmmaking Guide. For audio standards in documentary production, use the LUFS Calculator.
